Avoid THIS Mistake When Buying A Motorcycle!

[@FourIntoOne]

Well said Dan. I long ago gave up on spec sheets - I don't even look at then any more - if I like the LOOK of a bike, I will ride it and asses it, and go from there. Its my bike and I don't need anyone else's opinion thank you very much 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Great minds!

[@Jim-nm1en]

Totally agree with you Dan on the spec sheets. I have a 2012 GSX650F which has no bells and whistles, doesn't even have ABS, but it does everything a motorcycle needs to do and that is to go from A to B and put a big smile on my face. What more could you want on 2 wheels. Keep putting out great videos Dan.

[@Robdorso]

This is so spot on!! As a motorcycle salesman, nothing makes my eyes roll more than someone whose primary purchasing decision comes from the numbers on the spec sheet. There can be no way of really knowing what a bike is all about without actually swinging a leg over and driving the thing

[@paulconnell1309]

Agree. Horse power is the most misleading spec. People look at the top line HP and ignore the RPM required and the speeds that are generated in any gear other than first. Off the track most people don't get near the published HP most of the time. Torque on the other hand is good.. And the best example is probably the 8 series bike you are on. Great torque at low revs, feels like a bigger bike, but criticised for its 85bhp and the fact that there is no point revving over 7,000. Agree on the Hornet 1000 too. The GSX S1000 will be the same price where I live, so also pretty good with the new TFT display. And Happy New Year Dan.

[@LambChopRides]

Very good points Dan 👌 happy Christmas buddy 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Chops, we've all done it! Merry Christmas mate and a Happy New Year!

[@bjjw]

You have an absolute point here. The bike is not about power, speed, specs or tech. It is about where one is at their level of riding and what bike they like the most as in type, style and, yes, the looks. The most important, for me personally at least, is how the bike rides. It could be a liter bike or 400cc bike, they all provide something memorable that sticks with me and makes me want to ride them.

[@omgitsabloodyandroid5161]

If you don’t look back at the bike when you get off, it’s the wrong bike.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Amen!

[@paultruesdale7680]

I sometimes look back, but it’s usually a complaint of the crap stock seat. But I take your point.

[@BachsRides]

And don't care what anyone else thinks of that bike, if you like it that's what's important.

[@carlosvejar3938]

The V-STROM 800 had the largest tank with a windscreen combo at this price point. I was looking for a commuter and this bike has been so great at that. And its freaking fun

[@paulclarke1233]

Hi English biker Dan, happy Christmas and New year thanks for all the vids you filmed and look forward to the in the new year and good advice when choosing a new bike thanks again

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks Paul! A very merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!

[@Cartsp70]

@@EnglishbikerdanDan can you please review the new Trident 660 because now it has the imu thingy that you mentioned so I would be interested to see if it makes it a better bike with this or without 👍🏾

[@timmcvittie436]

When you test the new Hornet see If you can get the standard one as everyone else will be doing the the SP 👍

[@davidnunnerley9084]

Good point. Totally agree.

[@simonbowen6653]

Good advice. Know your budget and what's a definite requirement and then test ride. I'm guilty of previously buying without trying - and subsequent disappointment. Looking forward to seeing your Hornet 1000 review. Happy New Year Dan. 🍻

[@soulrebelno1]

I had a Ténéré 700 and never thought it needed more power, great bike, but very top-heavy. I sold it and bought an SV650, and I absolutely love the thing. It's basic, the seat is uncomfortable, but it's very fast, it sounds fantastic, and it brings a smile to my face every time I ride it. I've recently bought a new Triumph Speed Twin 1200 to replace it, a bike that I always promised myself, and I'm still getting to know that bike. Sadly, I will have to sell my SV650, and I will really miss it when it goes. My advice would be, don't buy a bike because it's in vogue, like a big adventure bike because everybody and his mate are buying them, by a bike that best suits your needs. Do plenty of research, and don't rush to buy, because there's always another bike around the corner, and yes, do try before you buy-that's if you can!

[@Apollo949]

I've found that test rides are not always conclusive and some bikes I've owned I didn't like at first because they felt weird, but after awhile I learned to love it. Most were not road tested before purchasing.

[@ElDuderinoAus]

Completely agree Dan, and love your videos btw! Too often people can get greedy for power and features, and overlook practicality, ergonomics, running-costs, insurance, etc. The most fun and loved bikes I've ever owned have often been lesser-powered, and the most disappointing ones have been on the more extreme end of the scale that are too focussed on just going fast. The constant increase in cc's each generation is becoming absurd...how is a 850-900cc now considered a "middleweight"?? I've got a '23 BMW F850GSA which is brilliant for doing proper outback adventures and weeks away (yep I'm Aussie), and have just bought a '15 Yamaha MT-09 Tracer for daily commuting/twisties/day-trips. To my mind, that's the perfect combination for all riding circumstances, and they've both got plenty of stomp, practical, comfortable, etc.

[@DuffersMcDuff]

I agree... fortunately we have a dealer nearby that has a large selection of brands. When buying my last bike, I narrowed it down to 3 or 4 bikes and test rode them all. I was surprised by the the outcome. Didn't choose the one I thought I would. Funnily enough, my choice has the same engine as yours! HNY Dan🎉

[@seanymac147]

Well said. People are obsessed with horsepower. A good example is the new Ducati V2 (120bhp) about 35 horsepower down on the old model, and for this alone so many people have already written them off, just saying “LeSs HoRsEpOwEr iS bAd” ignoring the near 20kg weight saving and obviously never having even ridden the bike

[@Englishbikerdan]

Absolutely, we've all done it! The new Panigale V2 is probably a better road bike with the new specs too! Thanks for watching.

[@Cartsp70]

Well said 👍🏾 I sat on one at Ducati and imo for me personally it’s the most uncomfortable bike I’ve ever sat on , it looks absolutely stunning but I could never buy one :eg the Bmw R1250R it doesn’t look amazing but I tell you what if you actually had a go on one I think it’s the best bike I’ve ever ridden heated grips, cc , quick shift heated seats, it can ride at 15mph or flat out on the motorway no problem at all.

[@samuelgillard2196]

100% agree. I've had 150bhp+ bikes and have ended up with one with 98bhp and it's perfect for me. I think you'll find that a lot of the people quoting the spec sheets either don't ride much or haven't even got a bike! Keep up the great content, all the best for 2025.

[@fuglbird]

Why on earth would you want 98 HP?

[@RiderReview]

EGO - mistake. SMILE - how a bike makes you FEEL.

[@BIBuildy]

Great points, happy new year!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Happy new year!

[@GillyBikes]

I never base my buys on the spec sheet any more. I let my heart do the talking. Hope you had a good Christmas 🎅

[@Happydays-d9p]

You’ve hit the nail on the head young man. 😊😊

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thank you sir!

[@Bazza47]

Inthe last 30 years I've never bought a bike without test riding it first. I've also test ridden bikes on the short list that I was really keen on, thought I'd love it but just didn't like them at all, which without that test ride would have cost me a lot to change and left me disappointed.

[@FudgeMonkeySmurf]

Couldn't agree more Dan. I always told myself I wouldn't buy a bike I hadn't ridden. I test rode about 27 bikes when I was in the market for a new one a few years ago and then I bought a second hand Ducati Panigale v2 from Completely Motorbikes. It was love at first sight and Completely didn't let you test ride their second hand bikes. I still love it and ride all year round, just had it's Desmo service and it's like new again. 150ish bhp is still way more than you need for any situation on the road. Happy New year!

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks mate, and a Happy New Year to you too!

[@TheGoateeBikerFromWales]

Merry Christmas buddy, hope to see you in Wales when making one of your videos. Ride safe ,🤟

[@njohnson3331]

I'm currently riding the bike I can afford. It's not a thrilling ride, but it's adequately entertaining, and I'm working on regaining some confidence after a wreck. So, it's the right bike for me at this time.

[@JohnLongdin]

Couldn't agree more Dan. Hope you've had a good Christmas, looking forward to what 2025 has in store 👍

[@Englishbikerdan]

Thanks John! Merry New Year! :)

[@SomewhereInside]

As someone who owned a 4 cylinder FJ1200 back in 85 …time stops for no rider 😢….150 HP bikes 90 HP bikes 200 Hp bikes 70 HP bikes ect all go quick compared to a car …and all go over the speed limit within a few seconds …but it’s all about the feel of that power delivery perhaps . So would recommend to anyone who has never ridden a smooth fast 4 cylinder to do so …or someone who has never ridden a big single or a twin to do so …there is a big difference in some cases …not the speed the feel .

[@ProphetAndLoss]

I test rode 15 bikes for my first big bike. Don’t of them 3 times. Everything from a Speed 400 to 1250GSA. I eventually bought the exact same model you are on in this video. Great bike, loving the torquey nature.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@nickfox6196]

Agree with everything you say but it’s not always possible to ride every model and some Dealers don’t want to offer test rides. I buy 2 or 3 new bikes a year which allows me to form my own opinion as you need more than 30 minutes to test them out. I appreciate I am lucky to be in a position to do this but you are right some of my favourite bikes are not the most blingy out there and an example is the 765R I have just purchased. I have now had the 675, 765RS all very good but the new 765R suits my riding. The secret is to enjoy it.

[@davidnunnerley9084]

You are dead right. My 675 street triple has taught me that. Non adjustable suspension, no rider modes, no traction control and 106 bhp. And I bloody love it. Makes me smile every time I go out on it. Don’t buy a bike with your ego or just because it has the latest tech. Test ride if you can, with an open mind and see how it makes you feel. If it makes you happy then you have cracked it. Looking forward to seeing more of your reviews in 2025.

[@FraserWest-um4ue]

Very good video and I actually agree with what you said in the video you need to test a motor bike before buying it to know that you’re happy with and it doesn’t need much power from the engine depending on what you’re after and it’s the same thing with buying a car now I am looking forward to seeing what you test ride in 2025 especially having seen some of new motor bikes that are coming out next year so I think there’s going a lot of interesting videos

[@ioandragulescu6063]

for adv riding, torque is king, especially down low. People who ride sporty bikes sure, they will enjoy the ponies high in the range. Personally I had a 70 hp v strom 650, wasn't quite enough for the mountany region I ride so I switched to the 1050 and it is enough for me. I tried a 1290 adv S and that's just a waste of power, for legal limits at least. And the sound of that 90 deg v twin with a proper exhaust ... mm mm mmmmm

[@Bow-to-the-absurd]

I buy with my heart anyway. Colour, headlight design matter as much or even more than specs, to me.

[@markhenry192]

Test rode plenty of bikes in my time. You can't really tell from a single 20 minute test ride. It's a lottery, really. Start with the bike you can afford, you find sexy, is within your skill limitations and take it from there.

[@richstevens5767]

Totally agree with You Dan. Spec sheets are for the pub mostly. Recently bought a Tracer 7GT. The only thing that it has got is ABS (Legal Requirement). Absolutely luv it. Only 73 bhp but punchy as You like & it handles effortlessly. Basically FUN FUN FUN. Out of interest are You going to post Your opinion on it's touring capabilities after Your 1st ride review. All the best for 2025.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Hey Rich, excellent choice. Yes I have another Tracer 7 vid coming soon! Thanks for watching!

[@richstevens5767]

Excellent. Looking forward to seeing Your views. Keep up the good work on your channel 👍

[@ianmott856]

I bought my Tiger 900 GT PRO without a test ride and don't regret it in the slightest. I do agree with the spec side of it as in hindsight I should have gone for the GT version as seldom use the electronic suspension. As for HP the Tiger has far more than I can use and I probably haven't used more than 75% of full power

[@hellkath]

That makes me giggle cause I personally bought the Tiger 900 GT Pro for all the specs and ended up selling it within the year. Just shows how the feeling of the bike is so completely personal and feels different for each rider

[@stevendegoodmojosmet4034]

Thank you sir, as a old timer motorcyclerider I totally agree, tech on paper is not what you feel on the bike. The dude that weigh 120 kg, want's that 3 kg lighter bike stuff.. 100 pk, vs 120 pk blah blah.. best fun I had on my 48 pk old beemer . . Now 'only' 100 pk on my gsx fa 1250. loved my 350's :) and the Honda xl250 was big fun too. numbers say don't tell all.

[@michelod.i.y.5202]

Spot on 😊

[@tonydare7614]

I've always test ridden every bike I bought, but I've ordered the forthcoming Triumph Tiger Sport 800 on the grounds of the specs. To be fair, I've owned a Trident and a Tiger 900GT pro, so it's not a real surprise. I test rode my current R12 Ninet twice for 45 minutes and I'm fed up with it on a daily basis in urban areas. In Paris, test rides are usually 45 minutes and you can't even get out of town.

[@HippoDrones]

I think the V-Strom 800RE is the perfect example of this mentality, it is an incredible machine, I adore mine... I keep (needlessly) spending money on "upgrades" for it, when basically out the box stock, mine was realistically just as good as mine is now with the farckles. Honda have def dragged the cat out the bag, I really hope all manufacturers stop with the £20k motorcycles, or at least offer realistic motorcycles to the masses as well as those mega bikes. Hope you had a good Christmas? Looking forward to seeing your content into 2025 🙂

[@Englishbikerdan]

It sure is mate! Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

[@jonnyvt6602]

Made that mistake a few times; usually end up adding mods in an attempt to like it,.and ultimately selling for a huge loss!!

[@Englishbikerdan]

You and me both!

[@seanadamson280]

Happy holidays Danno.

[@Englishbikerdan]

And to you Sean!

[@seanadamson280]

@Englishbikerdan Ta Dan.

[@skinnelli]

I've had a few bikes now, and been gradually working up in size. I got a CB500F after passing my test over 10years ago, every bike since then has done 0-60 officially between 3.8 to 4.5 seconds, which in anyones book is quick. I now have an NT1100 which is nice but a bit "beige", so I'm currently considering changing to a Hornet 1000r because it looks as though it will offer pretty much everything I need for a good price, but I will test ride it first, then inevitably say I want it.😊

[@exeterinterception]

First off you may think iam mad, in the last three years ive had a trident 660,interceptor,monkey,crf300 rally and cmx1100 and after all of that i ended up with a new sv650 what a great bike a keeper. It feels like my 250lc yammie not the engine but the feel of it and who needs anything bigger in my opinion lovely bike and could not agree more 🙂

[@ErgonBill]

Well said.

[@barry5138]

Happy Christmas EBD. With the quality of driving and quantity of cars on the roads, not sure many need a bike that can break 70 mph in 1st.

[@rodbowes5309]

Absolutely agree with this. My thirty HP scooter would get me the thirty miles to work in the same time as my ninety HP bike, so power is not important. I'm currently looking for a winter bike and the one thing that is an absolute requirement for me is that it has ABS.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Spot on Rod! I've had so much fun on smaller bikes over the years. All the best!

[@Cartsp70]

So my G310r is a better bike than the S1000r Dan ? 🎉😂cheers I’m glad you agree 👍🏾 merry Christmas 🎄

[@robbikebob]

I've got a royal enfield hunter 350.... 9 times out of 10 I prefer riding it to my 600 yamaha. I have fun riding the enfield. On most roads, in most situations, I'm just frustrated riding the yamaha. And when I do get a clear run, I end up going too fast and I'm always fighting against my right wrist. And if I slow down to less than 50mph I always know that I'd be having more fun on the 350 enfield!

[@bendavies6775]

Consumer expectations are however bound to be more influenced by motoring journalists and influencers that are more readily available then test rides that can be hard to come by.

[@TheDervMan]

I was happier riding & owning a NC750X as opposed to a R1250GSA. I've now settled on an X-ADV750 and couldn't be happier. It's annoying it took so long for me to realise what you're saying and it cost me a small fortune too 🤣

[@EV4RY]

I'm considering the X-ADV750 as a downgrade from RS 1200 R just for the practicality.

[@TheDervMan]

@@EV4RY The X-ADV 750 is so much more than the sum of it's parts. You should take one for a test ride.

[@discoveror9576]

When I hear horsepower quotes, I ask: What's the weight : power ratio? What's the weight : torque ratio? What's the weight ! torque @ 2,000 rpm? What's the weight : torque @ 3,000 rpm? On my spreadsheet, I was surprised at how little the above varied, especially within some cc : weight bike class ! Without looking at horsepower in the context of what it's moving, the absolute number by itself is about meaningless ! 😋

[@DavOlek_ua]

unfortunately test-rides are not always accessible in most of "smaller market" countries. advice is as brilliant as useless.

[@Achilles22]

Especially Superbikes Factory! No test rides and don’t sit on the bikes in showroom! Rip off merchants 😢😢

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@Achilles22 Silly to buy a bike from them. I've seen them sat in the showroom with mirrors hanging off

[@Achilles22]

@ Nooo what type of customers are buying from,them? Naive or just Stupid?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Yeah I'd not buy from there then!

[@MV-XD2]

Horsepower is the biggest spec sheet fail - the max HP means nothing. This is why sports bikes fell out of favour - they were designed to change gear at 10K rpm and don’t work at slower speeds. The reason why adventure bikes have become popular is torque, two up and luggage capability and a more upright riding position that’s better for long days and an ageing rider base. Of course, it depends where you are, but in the UK a 700-900cc is more than enough. It’s probably overkill for most roads, which may be why the 300-500cc segment is where much of the interest now lies - and in both categories it’s the engines with a good balance of torque and power that are the ones that interest me. The RE seems to have almost universal praise, and with the discounts around at the moment competes with the Chinese offerings.

[@ZT-wz8yy]

Hi, you having ridden both, would you pay £2.5k (45%!) premium for the V-strom 800RE vs the 650? I only test rode the 650, but power seemed adequate for British roads, it's quite roomy and considerably cheaper than the 800. Obviously a smooth quick shifter would be nice, but can live without it. Thanks

[@Englishbikerdan]

It's not about what I'd do, but what works for you! My sensible head would say the 650.

[@DuffersMcDuff]

I have had a 650 and now own an 800DE. They are quiet different bike, both in feel and position. The 650 was an excellent bike with a great engine. The 800 is an excellent bike with a great engine. It comes down to what suits you and what you are going to do with it. I will say I paid a lot less than MSRP so was coming close to 650 money. Suzuki dealers will make a deal. Especially this time of the year.

[@ZT-wz8yy]

@@DuffersMcDuff both can be had for quite a lot less than msrp, which keeps the difference roughly flat at 2.5 great British pounds

[@ianskeldon6032]

Dan can I ask what hand guards you have fitted to your GSX and where can I get some from. Great video, and your right if the bike your riding will do everything you want/need from it, why try to get more.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Check out my previous video on the V-Strom about the handguards. 👍

[@ianskeldon6032]

@@Englishbikerdan OK thanks Dan.

[@ragerider6283]

Totally agree Dan but equally I'm a hypocrite too lol. You don't need it all, but a part of you still wants it. For me, my bikes need to be competitive but not class leading. I do however want to be able to use most of it most of the time on the road so sometimes less is indeed more, (fun). It's obviously subjective, but you can't ride a spec sheet & half of them aren't even correct anyway. Especially the headline bhp & kerb weights! I currently own a GSX8R which is pretty "pathetic" specs wise but it's great fun on the road. I've had four 100-150bhp bikes in my 20's & 30's & my ego liked them more, but if I'm honest the riding experience is more rewarding & fun on the 8R. I can ring it's neck without going in to orbit or to jail & that can only be a good thing in my book.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Me too mate, me too! I will be on some 180bhp machine next year whooping like an idiot I'm sure! Haha.

[@ragerider6283]

@Englishbikerdan Can't wait lol!

[@paulneedham3608]

The only spec I look at is curbside weight.

[@Fractal379]

😂What could go wrong? 🤭Power-to-weight is one thing but...🤣

[@alandmorley]

My bike has too much bhp and is far to fast for me ,I bought it for the looks .Its a 1200 triumph speed twin

[@Englishbikerdan]

As long as YOU enjoy it mate, that's all that counts!

[@SomewhereInside]

Mate …the argument about the SV650 wasn’t convincing😅…yes I did sell it …but I only had room for 2 bikes in my garage …and it didn’t get ridden 😂.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha, I get it. It just wasn't about that bike, as good as it was I can only ride one bike at a time. And in reality, the SV is as much bike as I'd ever need!

[@SomewhereInside]

@ We are all guilty of that …my first bike as a returned rider was a 23 Versys 650 …15500kms , not one fault , did the back roads with potholes here in Australia , did smooth dirt roads , did motorways. But now have a Honda Transalp 750…miss the Versys 650…as it was less powerful not by too much …but way more nimble in the twisties .

[@cpuuk]

After riding bikes for 45 years, I can say I have never bought a bike I test rode first. Every bike I bought, I bought by just by static sitting on it 🤣

[@ZT-wz8yy]

Many regrets?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Braver than I! 😁

[@BIGGIEsmalls13]

Is it listening to influencers ?

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha, I sense a dig there. End of the day I ride for fun and give my opinion.

[@Daz533]

It’s all advertising campaigns Dan. Look what they do they sell a 1 ton BMW / Triumph / KTM as adventure bikes capability of off roading. It’s never been any further from the truth they are road touring bikes never mud bikes. I’ve done with bikes now they are ridiculously expensive all this tech on them are now practically cars. Bikes have lost their identity all down to advertising. I have a Kawasaki z1000sx and a 650 Vstrom for winter and they are staying with me till I cannot ride anymore.

[@arcticcraic]

100%

[@fuglbird]

You had three motorcycles before you sold one. Why? Do you also have two cars, two sailboats and two airplanes? Why? The Brits seem to collect vehicles of all kinds. I would not take advice from someone like you who cannot even decide for a single motorcycle. Bye! Ride safe.

[@Englishbikerdan]

Haha. You assume much. I own one motorcycle. No car or boats sadly! I get to borrow many motorcycles to make videos though.

[@Fractal379]

KZbin has many Americans showing off their garages with multiple bikes and cars. Why? As for your 'logic' referring to taking advice...😂💩🧠🤡

[@Cartsp70]

Ngl I had the Speed Triple 1200Rs and honestly I had it from march 22 to December 22 and I didn’t go over 7000Rpm , well maybe for about 10 seconds but it revved to 14000 Rpm and was £15000! So yeah 180 bhp imo is ok if you’re someone like Ryan Vickers and you have the skill to enjoy the power and ability to match the bike but other than that it’s a waste , I’ve just got the BMW G310 R and for the street it’s spot on, ( having said that that I’m still going to get a Street Triple Rs in 2025 because I like them 😂!! Merry Christmas and ride safe out there 🎉 🏍️ 👍🏾

[@Englishbikerdan]

Merry Christmas to you and thanks for watching! Street Triple is awesome!